Patent · US Expired

Tray sealing and gas flush apparatus

US5247746A · kind A · utility

36Cited by
7References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 4, 1992
Grant dateSep 28, 1993
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 4, 2012

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65B31/043
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus for atmosphere-modifying and sealing individual trays includes a film disposing roller disposed closely adjacent the top of the tray to define a nip region and an elongated gas injection nozzle spanning the nip region for injecting gas through the nip region between the film and the tray. A split conveyor belt advances the trays past the film disposing roller to a sealing unit utilizing band sealers for the longitudinal tray edges and reciprocal "hot bar" sealer for the leading and trailing tray edges. The gas injection nozzle injects the gas substantially perpendicular to the advancing direction, down and into the individual trays. An optional second gas nozzle provides a gas flow curtain across the tray leading edge.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.